Subj : RE: Japanese Computers
To   : Newtype Len
From : dingo
Date : Sat Sep 21 2024 14:09:08


Twas Friday, September 20th when Newtype Len said...
 NL> I've had a good time running PC-88 and PC-98 emulators in the past, but 
 NL> never have gotten to use one before. I've always thought the Sharp X68000 
 NL> was a great looking machine, because of course I would.

I have some interest, and got to see a few at VCFMW, I'll say that they could switch to three different video modes, 15, 24 and 31kHz horizontal syncs, its hard enough to get a 15kHz as it is. So the second hardest part of collecting the x68000 is also getting the monitor.

I'd buy one for cheap if I had the chance

But now is the best deal in Yen:USD since the 1980's, their financial market isn't doing great, and yet the x68000 is still going for ~$1.2k without monitor, $1k for parts or repair. Working famicoms are just $30. They are more rare than I thought.

But I think its worth playing on real hardware and CRT monitor rather than through an emulator for the graphics. If I look at screenshots of Ultima IV, which is on most every platform of the time, the version on PC-88 and PC-98 have very different graphics, sharper resolution and more colors than any other -- but they are also really bright and loud. And I think that's the emulators not correctly taking into account the scanline effects, maybe ~30% brighter than they appear on screnshots. I have a feeling it appears much better in person.

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